Setting up RMS Relay for hybrid operations and running into forwarding issues. Messages from local VHF users aren't being forwarded via HF during simulated internet outage. RMS Relay shows "Radio only, local message hub" enabled and "Forward messages via HF to another RMS" checked.

Hardware: IC-7300 with Pactor TNC for HF, Yaesu FT-7900 for VHF packet. VHF users can connect and send messages locally, but they're stuck in the local queue instead of forwarding to HF gateways.

• Band plan shows excluded frequencies properly configured
• HF forwarding timeout set to 10 minutes
• CMS connection test passes when internet enabled

What am I missing in the forwarding logic? Anyone successfully running hybrid relay operations?

Check your "Extra Time to forward through RMS" setting - if it's zero, messages won't queue for HF forwarding. Set it to at least 10 minutes. Also verify your HF gateway list populated correctly and that you have working propagation to at least one target RMS on your configured bands.

The hybrid forwarding is temperamental. I found that messages need specific addressing to trigger HF forwarding - local-to-local traffic stays local by design. Try sending a message to an internet email address, not another Winlink callsign. The system should then attempt HF forwarding after the timeout period.

Running a similar setup here with excellent results. Key point: enable "Simulate Internet Outage" mode rather than just disconnecting your network. This puts RMS Relay in the proper state for HF forwarding. Also monitor your HF forwarding logs - they'll show exactly why messages aren't being forwarded. Usually it's a configuration issue, not propagation.